How much exercise do you really need?

No pain, no gain – but is that really true?

You don’t have to push yourself to the limit when exercising to improve your health. Low-intensity activities like walking, gentle cycling, or an easy jog can deliver many of the same benefits as high-intensity workouts.

Research suggests these activities can improve your heart health, strengthen muscle, enhance mobility and may reduce your risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.

While intense exercise can boost fitness more quickly, it also places greater strain on the body, and some of the benefits eventually hit a plateau.

So don’t underestimate the power of a long walk, a gentle bike ride or a slow jog.

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